Song: (How Much is That) Doggie in the Window
Artist: Patti Page
Locations:
Bioshock - Sinclair Spirits (Fort Frolic), Little Wonders Educational Facility (Point Prometheus)
Bioshock 2 - Ride Maintenance (Ryan Amusements), Folly of Dionysus (Protector Trials), Apartment Jukebox (Multiplayer)
Lyrics:
How much is that doggie in the window (arf, arf)
The one with the waggley tail
How much is that doggie in the window (arf, arf)
I do hope that doggie's
for sale
I must take a trip to California
And leave my poor sweetheart alone
If he has a dog he won't be lonesome
And the doggie will have a
good home
How much is that doggie in the window (arf, arf)
The one with the waggley tail
How much is that doggie in the window (arf, arf)
I do hope that doggie's for sale
I read in the papers there are robbers (roof, roof)
With flashlights that shine in the dark
My love needs a doggie to protect him
And scare them away with one bark
I don't want a bunny or a kitty
I don't want a parrot that talks
I don't want a bowl of little fishies
He can't take a goldfish for a walk
How much is that doggie in the window (arf, arf)
The one with the waggley tail
How much is that doggie in the window (arf, arf)
I do hope that doggie's for sale
Born Clara Ann Fowler in 1927, this singer took on the moniker "Patti
Page" after the name of the sponsor, "The Page Milk Company", on her
first radio program at the age of 18. Due to her rich honey-like voice,
she gained a recording contract at Mercury Records in 1947. She soon
would rise to the top of music charts with country and pop hits such as
"Tennessee Waltz" and "Allegheny Moon".
"Doggie in the Window", with barks by Joe and Mac, on the Mercury Records label (70070). Joe Reisman was her arranger and Max Ceppos was her violinist. Patti Page recorded it in December 18, 1953 and released the single on a 78 rpm and 45 single in January 1953. It is backed with "My Jealous Eyes".
Though ostensibly a children's song, it quickly soared to #1 of Billboard music charts. With it's "squeaky-clean" lyrics, some have argued that it led to the embrace of rock 'n roll due to the public's desire for something to shakeup the music scene. Regardless, it stayed on best-sellers charts for 5 months and sold over 2 million copies.
You may be familiar with the song from Bioshock and Bioshock 2. However, if you listen closely, it not the same one that played on the jukeboxes and loudspeakers in Sinclair Spirits and Ryan Amusements.
This was one of Page's earliest hits, reaching #1 on Billboard charts in 1953 and selling over 2 million copies on 78 and 45 rpm discs. It is an excellent example of her pioneering use of "overdubbing" long before it reached widespread use in the music industry. You may notice that Page seems to be singing a duet with someone else. The other voice is none other than Patti Page herself, singing in harmony.
Page first used the technique on her first hit single "Confess" in 1947. Due to a strike, no background singers were available to provide harmony vocals. With the help of Mitch Miller, the Mercury Records producer, Page recorded her own background vocals, harmonizing with herself. This technique proved so successful that she would humorously release albums by the "Patti Page Quartet".
Page re-recorded "Doggie in the Window" sometime in the 60s without the vocal harmonies. This is the version that we have come to associate with Bioshock. The earliest instance I could find of this recording was from a compilation album "Patti Page's Greatest Hits" released by Columbia Records in 1966.
Sadly, Page passed away on January 1, 2013 at the age of 85. She remains the best selling female singer of the 50s. During the 55th Annual Grammy Awards, Kelly Clarkson sang a rendition of "Tennessee Waltz" in honor of Patti Page. "Tennessee Waltz" is still her best-remembered song and is one of the official state songs of Tennessee.
In the 50s, the lyrics to "Doggie in the Window" seemed innocent enough. Today, however, the lyrics connote the notion of "puppy mills" supported by unscrupulous pet shops. In response, Patti Page re-recording a new version with modified lyrics called "Do You See That Doggie in the Shelter) in 2009. So, to honor Page's memory, consider visiting a local shelter sometime so some doggie will go to a good home.
Additional Videos
Can You See That Doggie in the Shelter? from Gary Kaskel on Vimeo.
